call our experts
800-728-2875

business hours
M-F: 8-5 PST

north america: alaska

z-Glaciers of Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound lies just south of the rugged Chugach Mountains, a breathtaking maze of forested islands, glacier carved fjords and wildlife filled waterways. This area is every bit as spectacular as the traditional Inside Passage, but far less traveled, giving you a hint of what the world looked like after the last Ice Age.

Wildlife surrounds you in these waters. Bald eagles dot the sky, curious sea otters gaze up at you from their beds of kelp, and we frequently view pods of orcas and other whales that reside here year-round. You'll also see plenty of glaciers calving, as this area is home to the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in North America. For even more wildlife and spectacular scenery, you can choose our Denali Explorer extension.

Day 1 - Sail from Whittier

In Anchorage board a motorcoach to travel to Whittier. Your route is along beautiful Turnagain Arm, famous for its sweeping tidal changes, in the shadow of the Chugach Range. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Columbia, your home for the next four nights. The ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, and will anchor in a secluded cove.

Accommodations: Spirit of Columbia
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - College Fjord and Esther Passage

Wake up near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. You will ease close to the active faces of numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, and your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. The whiskery otters are often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on crabs. In Eaglek Bay you may welcome onboard a local oyster farmer who will share tales of her unique life in the wilderness.

Accommodations: Spirit of Columbia
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3 - Cordova

Make a port call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. An included sightseeing tour of Cordova highlights area history, including a stop at the delta of the mighty Copper River. If you have energy to burn, there are optional wilderness tours including sea kayaking, hiking, and river rafting.

Accommodations: Spirit of Columbia
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Chenega Glacier and Knight Island

Today explore southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Watch for seals on the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliff faces. Later, enjoy "gunkholing" around the nearby islands - a term for poking around the next corner just to see what"s there.

Accommodations: Spirit of Columbia
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Arrive in Whittier

After a cruise past a kittiwake colony, disembark the Spirit of Columbia at Whittier at 9am and transfer to Anchorage. Please schedule any flights until after 2 pm.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Extend your Alaska small ship cruise:

Denali National Park pre cruise extension:
Day 1 - Arrive Fairbanks, Alaska
Day 2 - Fairbanks to Denali National Park
Days 3-4 - Explore Denali National Park
Day 5 - Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
Day 6 - Transfer to Whittier and board cruise

You may also wish to consider one of our more affordable independent tours Denali Backcountry Explorer or Brown Bears of Katmai. These extensions can be arranged for either pre or post cruise. Our Alaska experts will help you customize your Alaska adventure, call today.


Notes on Itineraries: 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.

Single Travelers: Single travelers can reserve any "B" or "C" cabin at the regular twin rate -- no single supplement! If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, our Roommate Share Program guarantee double occupancy rates in Category A.

Land Cost Includes: $240 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. On board gratuities are neither required nor expected; all airport/ hotel transfers; Alaska cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare to Alaska; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, and insurance of any kind.

Arrival/Departure: This trip begins and ends in Anchorage, Alaska. Arrivals into Anchorage airport (ANC) on Day 1 should be no later than 11:00am. On Day 5, the cruise finishes after breakfast. A disembarkation transfer is provided to the Anchorage Airport or the Downtown Sheraton. Please do not schedule return flights until after 2:00pm on the day of disembarkation.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of 20% of the cruise-tour is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to the following cancellation penalties per person.

Anytime 120+ days prior to departure $200 pp*
Between 119-90 days prior to departure, full deposit (20%)
Between 89-61 days prior to departure, 50% of cruise fare
Between 60-31 days prior to departure, 75% of cruise fare
Between 30-0 days prior to departure, No refund
*A future cruise credit will be made available, to be applied to future bookings.

Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

We highly recommend our travelers
protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout Alaska will be aboard the Spirit of Columbia. This vessel accommodates 78 guests. Well-appointed staterooms feature comfortable beds, large view windows and private bathroom. Deluxe staterooms also have queen bed, TV/VCR, desk, chair and a refrigerator. The vessel also has a dining room, lounge, sun deck, viewing platforms and more. The vessel is casual - the food delicious - and the staff friendly and helpful.

Qualifications: These trips will be enjoyed by anyone with a love for nature and the outdoors.

Extending Your Trip: Call AdventureSmith Explorations about the possibilities of combining trips to Denali National Park and more.

Photo Credit: Cruise West

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith ExplorationsTerms and 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.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com