Day 1
Juneau Arrival
Depart London Heathrow – 12:40
Arrive Seattle – 17:05
Journey Time – 9 hours 35 minutes
Depart Seattle – 18:00
Arrive Juneau – 21:35
Journey Time – 3 hours 35 minutes
Overnight stay in Juneau before setting sail tomorrow afternoon!
Overnight – Juneau
Day 2
Juneau – Embarkation
Welcome aboard! Meet your crew and get acquainted as we set sail into the Tracy Arm Wilderness.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 3
Tracy Arm Wilderness / Frederick Sound
At the end of Tracy Arm, a winding fjord with sheer granite walls, hundreds of cascading waterfalls, and some of the largest floating icebergs in all of Alaska, sits the twin Sawyer Glaciers-North Sawyer and South Sawyer. The fjord is home to brown and black bears, deer, wolves, harbor seals, birds such as arctic terns and pigeon guillemots. Later today, move into Frederick Sound-summer feeding ground for the northern hemisphere’s largest concentration of humpback whales. Keep watch for humpbacks, orca, and Steller sea lions.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 4
Thomas Bay
Choose kayaking and a lush forest trek on a scenic rainforest trail, or go big on a roundtrip 11-mile hike to the glacially-fed and rarely visited Patterson Lake. Discover the origin of its “Devil’s Country” nickname during a reading from “The Strangest Story Ever Told,” about the area’s mythical shape-shifting creatures called Kushtaka.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 5
Glacial Landscapes / Wrangell Narrows
Step into the back country of Alaska’s wilderness, in an area known for glaciers and rich in gold and quartz. Explore glacial landscapes marked by moraines, muskegs, and mud. Adventure and natural beauty are sure to please whether you choose kayaking, paddle boarding, skiff riding, or hiking today. An abundance of bright red and green navigation lights guide you along “Christmas Tree Lane” as you cruise the winding Wrangell Narrows this evening.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 6
Wrangell
Home to native culture, wildlife, and wonder-Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in Alaska and the only one ever governed by four nations. Before venturing into town, local islanders join you on board for an in-depth presentation on Tlingit and Haida cultures. View recently carved totem poles at Kiksetti Totem Park and step inside the famed and historically significant Chief Shakes Tribal House.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 7
Behm Canal
Wildlife abounds in Behm Canal and the surrounding Tongass National Forest-orca, porpoise, seals, sea lions, brown and black bears, mink, marten, eagles, and otters. Paddle along the canal or venture out on an intertidal shore walk or low-elevation trek on the Cleveland Peninsula.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 8
Misty Fjords National Monument
Affectionately called “The Yosemite of the North,” Misty Fjords National Monument represents nearly every ecosystem found in Southeast Alaska. Glacial valleys filled with sea water, and sheer 3,000 foot cliffs are a haven for sea birds, brown and black bears, mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, mink, moose, river otters, and other wildlife. Glide through Walker Cove or Rudyerd Bay by kayak or explore by skiff soaking in the splendor of this largely forgotten corner of the world.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 9
Ketchikan
Alaska’s southern most city and “salmon capital of the world” also claims fame to having the world’s largest collection of standing totem poles. While others end their adventure and new guests join later in the day, you will spend the day off the boat. Enjoy lunch in town on us and explore the notorious Creek Street, once a red-light district. A complimentary laundry service is provided today. Later this afternoon keep watch for eagles as we embark and cruise through the Tongass Narrows out of Ketchikan.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 10
Tongass National Forest
Aha-wake in a remote cove surrounded by breathtaking Tongass National Forest-the largest national forest in the US. Joined by your expedition team, it’s a water ops morning. Spend it paddling a kayak, paddle boarding, or exploring by skiff. Then settle in as you cruise the northern tip of Prince of Wales Island, nestled right in the heart of the Tongass.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 11
El Capitan Caves / Prince of Wales Island
Take a walk on the wild side winding through high forest on an old logging trail, and find your way to El Capitan Cave, the largest known cave in Alaska and one of the largest mapped caves in the Americas. Learn from Forest Service Rangers about karst and the geologic forces that created this intricate cave system. Locals-bears, harbor seals and humpbacks, deer, eagles, humans too-enjoy the calm and serenity of the island. Take it all in, and chances are, you will too.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 12
Chatham Strait
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, take to the water by kayak, skiff, or snorkel. Snorkeling is optional, but hidden beneath the surface lies a magical array of sea life only seen from below. Take a deep breath and go for it! Today’s discoveries will be within some of the most untouched wilderness of the Tongass National Forest.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 13
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. Gear up for snorkeling or guided treks. This evening, toast another day of amazing adventure with a cold microbrew or cocktail.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 14
The Brothers Islands / Stephens Passage
There’ll be plenty of wildlife viewing today. The Brothers, a pair of tiny, rocky islands at the confluence of Stephens Passage and Frederick Sound, are home to some of Alaska’s most abundant wildlife, including a haulout for Steller sea lions. The area is also the summer feeding ground for the largest concentration of humpback whales in the northern hemisphere. Keep watch for orca, humpbacks, and porpoise.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 15
Endicott Arm / Fords Terror
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 Fords Terror. Join the Captain for a farewell toast during dinner.
Overnight – Aboard Ship
Day 16
Juneau Departure
Bid adieu to new-found friends over breakfast before disembarking. Transfer directly to the Juneau airport for your return flights.
Depart Juneau – 14:40
Arrive Seattle – 17:58
Journey Time – 2 hours 18 minutes
Depart Seattle – 19:05
Arrive London Heathrow – 11:35 (Next Day)
Journey Time – 9 hours 30 minutes
