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Family hiking on a tour of Alaska

Alaska's Southeast Explorer

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Alaskan Dream
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Visit the highlights of Southeast Alaska in this 11-day small ship cruise getting close to thundering tidewater glaciers and watching stunning wilderness alongside Naturalists and Cultural Heritage Guides. Enjoy daily shore excursions through scenic landscapes and national historic sites. Learn about local native culture and history by exploring fascinating locations such as Glacier Bay National Park, Skagway, Juneau, Tracy Arm Fjods, Frederick Sound, Petersburg, Wrangell, Thorne Bay, Metlakatla, and Ketchikan.
A Bald Eagle catches a fish.Intricate detailing on an Alaskan totem poleView of Mendenhall glacier on an Alaska cruiseKiller whales in Alaska.Family hiking on a tour of Alaska
Highlights
  • Watch Margerie Glacier calve giant icebergs in Glacier Bay National Park
  • Follow in the footsteps of gold seekers and ride the White Pass Railroad
  • Navigate Tracy Arm past glaciers, wildlife, and waterfalls
  • Attend a ceremonial dance and meet locals in Metlakatla Indian Community
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Sitka

Explore beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Visit fascinating historical sites that highlight the community’s rich Alaska Native and Russian history, including the Sheldon Jackson Museum, Russian Bishop’s House, and St. Michael’s Cathedral. Embark for the winding narrows north of town while spotting for bald eagles, sea otters, bears, whales, and other wildlife.

Day 2: True Alaska Exploration

Savor the serenity of raw wilderness on an unscripted day of Southeast Alaska discovery. The options are countless, dictated by the day’s unique circumstances. Opportunities may include a coastline kayak paddle, up-close whale encounters, or a hike through an alluring old-growth forest. You may do a beach landing on an unspoiled shoreline to explore a tidal flat or track along with a foraging bear from the safety of your DIB (shallow water expedition craft). Regardless of the activity, experience the magic of the archipelago’s many remote coves, bays, and inlets.

Day 3: Glacier Bay National Park

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65 miles, contains eight tidewater glaciers, and provides pristine habitat for a wide-array of wildlife, including both brown and black bears, wolves, mountain goats, Steller sea lions, and humpback whales. The highlight for many is the Margerie Glacier, known for its dramatic calving displays. A Glacier Bay National Park Service Ranger narrates the day’s program and a Native Huna Tlingit interpretive naturalist joins the voyage to reveal traditional cultural ties to this ancient treasure.

Day 4: Skagway | Haines

Stroll the boardwalks of the rollicking Klondike gold rush town of Skagway, and then board the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad for a journey retracing the steps of the gold-seekers into Canada. Built in 1898, the railroad climbs nearly 3,000 ft. in 20 miles and offers stunning wilderness views. This excursion crosses the border into Canada, so passports are required. A guided walking tour through scenic Haines features a visit to pre-WWI Fort Seward National Historic Site, with parade grounds overlooking Lynn Canal.

Day 5: Juneau | Orca Point Lodge

Spend the day visiting highlights of the scenic capital city of Juneau, including the world famous Mendenhall Glacier. In downtown Juneau, visit the newly renovated Alaska State Museum. There is time to explore on your own. You may choose to visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, Alaska State Capitol, or take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Mount Roberts Tram. You can also delve deeper into local Native culture and history by exploring fascinating exhibits, art displays, and a walk through a clan house at the recently opened Walter Soboleff Center. End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, an exclusive day-lodge on Colt Island. Enjoy the beautiful grounds, beach, and marine life touch-tank. Dine on Alaskan salmon, Alaskan king crab, or prime rib from the warmth of the lodge, or nestled next to a beachside bonfire.

Day 6: Tracy Arm | Frederick Sound

Journey through Tracy Arm Fjord, an area the famous naturalist John Muir referred to as, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” This glacial fjord is renowned for its pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet. At 32 miles long and averaging just a mile wide, the unique features of Tracy Arm are contained in a relatively small geographical space, adding to the dramatic beauty of the area. As ice conditions permit, navigate the entire length of the arm, stopping in view of both the Sawyer and South Sawyer Glaciers. DIB excursions provide the opportunity to view the majesty of the area in even greater detail. Later, scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in the world-renowned whale waters of Frederick Sound.

Day 7: Petersburg

Discover the charming Mitkof Island fishing town of Petersburg. Founded by Norwegian fishermen in the late 1800s, Petersburg is nicknamed Alaska’s “Little Norway.” Experience Scandinavian culture with a folk dance show by local youth at the iconic Sons of Norway Hall. Later, enjoy a narrated bus tour and take time to explore the vibrant community at your own leisure.

Day 8: Wrangell

Home to a little over 2,000 permanent residents, Wrangell is the only town in Alaska to have been under the jurisdiction of three flags, and ruled by four nations - the Tlingit, Russia, England, and the United States. Enjoy several options to explore this colorful history, including a guided walking tour and a trip to the Wrangell Museum. Visit the intriguing State Historic Park, Petroglyph Beach, which contains the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska.

Day 9: Thorne Bay | Kassan

Experience the frontier spirit of Alaska’s timber years on a tour of Thorne Bay, once the largest logging camp in the world. This tight-knit community is located on the eastern side of Prince of Wales, an island renowned for its high concentration of black bears. Here, meet resident artisans and enjoy a walking tour of the town while keeping an eye out for the island’s fauna. In Kasaan, walk an enchanted forest path laden with intricately carved totem poles to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States. Inside stand four original house posts, or “Gáats,” that were most likely carved at Old Kasaan in about 1880 and then installed at Naay I’waans (Whale House). The tallest interior post, the “Head House Totem,” dates to an even earlier time and was brought here from its original location inside Son-i-Hat’s uncle’s house in Old Kasaan, about 7 miles away.

Day 10: Misty Fjord | Metlakatla

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary history, art, and cultural traditions of the Metlakatla Indian Community on Annette Island. Visit a traditional Tsmishian longhouse, enjoy a ceremonial dance performance, and meet Native artists. Later, your ship glides beneath the 3,000-foot glacier-sculpted cliffs of Misty Fjords. Discover the fjord’s natural history, listen to the calls of a myriad of seabirds, feel the mist from glistening waterfalls, and see famous New Eddystone Rock, a stunning volcanic core.

Day 11: Disembark in Ketchikan

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark in Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City” and “Salmon Capital of the World.” A transfer to the airport or your hotel is complimentary.

Ship/Hotel

Alaskan Dream

Alaskan Dream Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Alaska Small Ship Cruises & Tours.
Category AA
Averaging 104 sq. ft. One queen bed or two twin beds, picture window, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower. Located on Bridge, Upper and Main decks.
Category AAA
Averaging 120 sq. ft. One queen bed or two twin beds, large picture window, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower. Located on the Main deck.
Owner´s Suite
Averaging 208 sq. ft. One queen bed, large picture windows, wardrobe, private bathroom with shower. Located on the Upper deck.
Vista View Suite
Averaging 147 sq. ft. One queen bed with side and forward views from large windows, comfortable sitting area, private bathroom with shower. Located on the Upper deck.

Notes

Discount for a 3rd or 4th guest in the same stateroom will be 15% off the regular rate regardless of age,

Children 15 & under receive a 15% discount.

Prices are per person and in USD. Single supplement are 50% of the cabin rates.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Complimentary glass of wine or beer with dinner 
  • Your ship has the following available for use on board during your cruise:

    - Waterproof jacket and pants (however, if you have special sizes or preferred gear, please bring your own)
    - Binoculars
    - A hairdryer is provided in each guest cabin.
    - Towels are provided as well as a selection of organic, biodegradable, earth friendly soaps and shampoos.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Pre- and Post Land Arrangements
  • Alcohol outside of included glass at dinner
  • Port Fees & Taxes: Not included and subject to change until final payment. Up to $350 per person depending on cabin type.

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