Embark on an 8-day Alaska with Glacier Bay adult-only cruise aboard the Wilderness Legacy, and experience Alaska’s expansive natural beauty. Depart from Juneau and explore the serene Hobart Bay within the Tongass National Forest. Paddle, hike, and bike in this tranquil setting. Navigate through tight waterways to witness the rarely-seen Leconte Glacier. In Thomas Bay, hike Cascade Creek’s trails and kayak to salmon runs. Kuiu Island offers encounters with black bears and sea otters, while snorkeling reveals a vibrant underwater world. Chichagof Island provides opportunities to observe Coastal Brown Bears. Explore the remote regions of Glacier Bay National Park, and discover hidden trails and stunning landscapes. The cruise ends in Juneau, leaving you with lasting memories of Alaska's beauty.
Highlights
Explore Alaska's Capital City of Juneau
Encounter black bears and sea otters on Kuiu Island while whale watching in the calm waters
Witness the beauty of Thomas Bay with waterfalls and hiking trails
Explore Chichagof Island in search of Coastal Brown Bears
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.
After exploring Alaska’s Capital City of Juneau, step aboard the Wilderness Legacy for a welcome cocktail or glass of Champagne before dinner. Meet the captain and crew as they introduce themselves and outline the week’s exciting adventure. Celebrate with a kickoff toast! Listen for the distinctive whistles as the Wilderness Legacy departs, featuring horns from Captain Dan’s family collection. Capture the moment on video!
Wake up in Hobart Bay, nestled deep within the Tongass National Forest. This tranquil spot offers the perfect setting for your first paddle, skiff ride, hike, or bike adventure. Choose from a variety of activities tailored to your preferences. Embark on a skiff expedition for an up-close encounter with the bay's wildlife, including majestic eagles soaring overhead. Avid cyclists can enjoy an exhilarating mountain bike ride through the lush forest's hidden depths. After a day of adventure, return to the boat for a delicious, locally sourced meal. Embrace the excitement of your first full day.
There is something in the water. The Legacy glides through a tight waterway – sheer cliffs on either side of the fjord lead to the southernmost tidewater glacier in the northern hemisphere. LeConte Glacier is rarely seen. Large cruise ships simply can’t get here. This is the special corner of Alaska for the day, and you get to choose your adventure. Grab a paddle and go for a kayak, if conditions permit. Jump in a skiff and cruise amongst icebergs that can tower over the Legacy herself. This is a place of deep wonder and reverence for the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples; pause and listen to the sounds that surround you – this is where you belong today.
Mist hangs in the air. The soft exhale of a whale wakes you from your well-deserved slumber. The anchor drops into the milky blue waters of Thomas Bay as the summer sun cuts through the mist and the fog lifts. You hear it before you see it – a profound amount of water cuts through the forest in a series of waterfalls known as Cascade Creek. This is a favorite location for crew – one of the very few accessible trails in Southeast Alaska. Not to be missed, there is a level of hiking challenge to suit any skill level. After your foray into the woods, head back to the Legacy for a hearty meal as the boat repositions to the other side of Thomas Bay for new adventures. Water access is unmatched here, a kayak to a salmon run or skiff tour in search of bears wraps up your day.
The west side of Kuiu Island is the playground for the day. You're in black-bear country now and Kuiu Island plays host to the densest population of the iconic species on the planet. Tucked into a Bay, the waters are calm and filled with the smallest marine mammal on earth – the sea otter. As you pass each other – they are unperturbed by your presence, and about as cute as one might imagine them to be. Humpback whales patrol the reefs in search of schools of herring – resident bubble-netters are a rare and exciting sight. The cold, nutrient-rich waters provide opportunities not just for above-water activities. Try your hand at a snorkel (fear not, a warm wetsuit is available for you) and unlock an entire universe of discovery as you peruse the most diverse population of sea stars on Earth – a surprise to many who visit this place. For just a moment, the cold water is forgotten as you’re transported into what can only be described as a “cold water tropical reef”. The Pacific transforms into the wildest touch-tank you can imagine.
Explore the untamed coastline in search of the elusive Coastal Brown Bear. The east side of Chichagof Island offers multiple distinct areas with exceptional opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Your Captain and Expedition Leader, leveraging their expertise, seek out the hidden corners of Chichagof–getting you deep into the home of the Coastal Brown. Today’s options feature shore walks, kayaking, skiff rides, and the thrilling prospect of observing brown bears from our small boats and kayaks. The bear population thrives in this region, ensuring a day filled with awe-inspiring encounters.
This national park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Let that sink in. Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. Not you. You’re going the furthest and exploring parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and ice fields is energizing. Back onboard after a full day, your expedition team shares photos from the week–sent to you as their parting gift.
Day 8: Juneau | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Welcome back to Juneau. After a warm and filling breakfast, bid farewell to the crew as you disembark.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$4,4002-3 travelers
Navigator
Cabins 103, 104, 319, 320 (double bed),
View window, private bath with shower. 103 and 104 may be sold as single occupancy. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Cabins 212, 214 (queen)
211, 213 (queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
Admiral
Cabins 101, 102 (queen)
201 (twins), 202, 309, 310
(queen or twins)
View window, private bath with shower. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
Jr Commodore
Cabins 301 and 302 (queen bed)
View windows, private bath with shower. Your cabin comes complete with a hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair, and body products.
Commodore Suite
King bed.
Two-room suite with view windows, private bath with tub. hairdryer, towels, eco-friendly hair and body products.
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 | 306 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 306 reviews on
1 week ago
Personal, knowledgeable service. We felt so informed and supported before our trip. Highly recommend and would use again.
Michelle S
3 weeks ago
First off we had great weather all week.
We had a wonderful Naturalist on board the Admiirality Dream. John was a very knowledgeable and shared history and folklore with facts about wildlife every day. The entire crew made sure everyone had everything they needed. We were very impressed with all the work they did every day. Loved the fact that there were 49 passengers and you were able to meet and connect with so many people. Highly recommend!
Jessica T.
1 month ago
Jess was very helpful in planning our last minute trip to Alaska. Her promptness in responding to our questions was particularly impressive.
Richard
1 month ago
So well looked after - so much to see - and so much information - all the crew were informative, enthusiastic, and very friendly - nothing was too much bother. It was fantastic being on such a small boat with a group of like-minded passengers. The sea otters won the 'best wildlife' 'competition' (surprisingly)!
Graeme McCarthy
1 month ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.