Alaska’s Inside Passage Sojourn - Southeast Alaska Cruise

Welcome to Ketchikan, otherwise known as Alaska’s “First City” and “Salmon Capital of the World.” We encourage you to arrive early and explore the community’s rich culture, history, and biodiversity. After boarding the ship, take in the sights of the beautiful Tongass Narrows as you set out on your journey. Enjoy a welcome dinner while aboard then step ashore on Annette Island near the Tsimshian community of Metlakatla. Gather around a beach campfire as a local cultural guide/storyteller shares insights into the history and culture of the Tsimshian people.

Your ship will glide beneath the glacier-sculpted cliffs of Misty Fjords—one of Southeast Alaska’s national monuments. Discover the fjord’s natural history, listen to the calls of a myriad of seabirds, see famous New Eddystone Rock (a stunning volcanic core), and savor adventures aboard our expedition vessel or kayaks.

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.

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 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.

Scout for humpback whales and other marine mammals in Frederick Sound. Humpbacks are famous for behavior that lends itself to incredible viewing and photography, such as tail lobbing, lunge feeding, pectoral slapping, breaching, and picturesque dives that showcase their massive fluke. Journey through Tracy or Endicott Arm in the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness—a place the famous naturalist, John Muir, called, “a wild, unfinished Yosemite.” Renowned for its glaciers, pristine waterfalls, towering icebergs, abundant harbor seals, and granite cliffs that rise from sea level to 4,000 feet, this wilderness is often referred to by locals as one of the most scenic areas in the state.”

Spend the day visiting highlights of the scenic capital city of Juneau. In downtown, we’ll tour the captivating Alaska State Museum. There will also be time to explore on your own. The area boasts a vibrant culinary scene with award-winning restaurants and food trucks, local breweries, and distilleries. You can delve into indigenous culture by exploring exhibits, art displays, and a clan house at the Walter Soboleff Center. Other options include the Alaska State Capitol, city museum, Mt. Roberts Tram, and life-size humpback whale statue, “Thaku”.

End the day’s adventure with a relaxing evening at Orca Point Lodge, our own exclusive day lodge on Colt Island*. Enjoy the beautiful beach and a marine life viewing tank. Alaska crab and other delicious fare are served in the lodge, while s’mores are available at our beachside campfire.

*The lodge stop is subject to availability. If scheduling conflicts preclude the lodge, an alternative evening activity will be determined by your captain and guide staff.

This remarkable national park fjord extends 65-miles, contains 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 Margerie Glacier or John Hopkins Glacier, which have been known for their dramatic calving displays.

Savor the serenity of raw wilderness on an unscripted morning and afternoon of Southeast Alaska discovery. The countless options are 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. We 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 our expedition vessel. Regardless of the activity, you’ll experience the magic of the archipelago’s many remote coves, bays, and inlets.

Disembark in beautiful Sitka, the only community in Southeast Alaska that faces the open ocean waters of the Gulf of Alaska. Transportation to your hotel or the airport is complimentary on the day of disembarkation. We encourage you to spend some time exploring our beautiful home port’s rich culture, history, and biodiversity.

Itineraries are subject to change.