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A large waterfall cascades from the Alaskan mountainside

Exploration Cruise

Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Island Spirit
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Sail the jewels of the Alexander Archipelago (Alaska's Inside Passage) on this 9-day small ship Alaska cruise. Admire the pristine scenery of The Last Frontier as you disembark daily to explore Baranof Warm Springs, Chatham Strait, Glacier Bay National Park, historical Skagway, and more. Alaska is sure to dazzle you with its abundant wildlife, massive glaciers, and wonderful kayaking opportunities.
A humpback whale in Alaska.Family hiking on a tour of AlaskaAlaskan totem poles Kayaking in the fjordA large waterfall cascades from the Alaskan mountainside
Highlights
  • Visit the Alaska towns of Juneau, Hoonah, and Haines
  • Spend an entire day aboard a catamaran and visit the famous Glacier Bay
  • Soak in one of the hot sulphur tubs while you enjoy the waterfall view
  • Learn more about Alaskan culture and watch a tribal dance
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Juneau, Alaska

Arrive in Juneau. Scheduled airport pick-ups are provided today. For those coming in a day earlier, luggage pick-up at in town hotels is provided. Those staying out of town are to arrive at the ship at boarding time with their luggage. At boarding time, please come aboard the Island Spirit located at Sedrome/Goldbelt Marina Dock. Meet your crew, freshen up, then join the Naturalist for a tour of the Alaska State House or a local museum. Come back aboard the Island Spirit for cocktails and dinner as you depart for your evening anchorage. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way.

Day 2: Lynn Canal

Cruise north in Alaska’s longest and deepest fjord, the Lynn Canal. Weather permitting visit a quiet bay and enjoy some kayaking! Enjoy a presentation on the marine life of the area from the on-board naturalist and visit a sea lion haul-out where there are hundreds of these mammals in the wilderness. Continue cruising and pass Eldred Rock lighthouse (named after Sarah Eldred) with the opportunity to take pictures. Porting takes place tonight in the village of Haines, AK.

Day 3: Haines

This morning it’s a leisurely brunch. Afterwards, you can tour the town of Haines and enjoy a unique museum that holds 3000 hammers of all sorts and types. There is an exhibit from the Smithsonian museum as well! You also have the chance to visit the rehabilitation museum to study local birds and animals. Learn about the salmon runs and more. There is impressive native artwork to be discovered and you have the opportunity for shopping. In the evening cruise to Skagway, Alaska. Arrive in Skagway in time to take a walk through town if you would like.

Day 4: Skagway

Start the day in Skagway with a local, guided tour and some time at the Park Service Museum and Interpretive Center. This afternoon, you are on your own to enjoy the town. You may choose to buy a ride on the historic White Horse railway, one of America’s scenic wonders. You may also enjoy some of Alaska’s best shopping, including furs, jewelry, native carvings, etc. Cruise during dinner then relax at evening anchorage.

Day 5: Hoonah

Enjoy a Tlingit tribal dance today. Shop and stroll in the old Icy Strait Point Cannery. Visit the local village of Hoonah and enjoy a presentation from the native carvers. The natives have been working on some new totem poles for the famous Glacier Bay celebrations in the future. Settle in on-board for another quiet anchorage tonight.

Day 6: Glacier Bay

The day starts early as you transfer to the Exploration vessel in Glacier Bay National Park. You are educated and entertained there by a National Park Service ranger. Visit the majestic Tidewater Glaciers of this historic park - once the vision of John Muir, now a full day of ice flowing wilderness. Cover over 140 miles of this icy wonderland. Afterwards, return to the Island Spirit for cocktails and cruising and dinner.

Day 7: At Sea

Cruise today in whale-rich waters with sea otters, Dahl’s porpoise, and humpback whales. Your captain takes you to a secluded bay for kayaking and exploring by small boat. Afterwards, enjoy a presentation on the heritage of the area and some of the sites you have seen over the trip. Anchorage tonight allows time for a guided skiff tour with the on-board naturalist. Tonight is Captain’s Dinner - please dress casual.

Day 8: Sitka

Enjoy morning cruising today as you come to port in Sitka, Alaska. Listen to a narrated tour of the community. The tour includes local museums, the Raptor Rehabilitation Center, Totem Park, and the Russian Orthodox Church. There is some time to shop for your Alaskan souvenirs before coming back aboard the Island Spirit for your final evening on the ship.

Day 9: Disembark Sitka

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship after one last breakfast and transfer to your hotel or the airport for your continued independent journeys.

Ship/Hotel

Island Spirit

Exterior image of the Island Spirit.
Alaskan Cruise Sightseeing
Alaskan Cruises, up close sightseeing!

Dates & Prices

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.

Notes

- A fuel surcharge may be added due to fuel price volatility.
- All rates are quoted in USD and are based on double occupancy.
- Limited special single cabins available on first come first served basis for the same rate.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Rubber Boots: Please bring your own. 

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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