Remote wilderness exploration and Glacier Bay National Park highlight this active Alaskan cruise adventure. Spend your days hiking into wildlife-rich forests, standing atop a glacier, kayaking and riding a skiff along a dramatic fjord, and whale watching. While cruising aboard the newly renovated 76-guest Wilderness Explorer vessel, you'll find a more flexible, personal and customized level of service than on a standard full-scale cruise ship, while still maintaining all of the comfort and professionalism that modern voyagers have come to expect. Enjoy hearty and healthy five-star cuisine on board, fueling you before and after each day's activities. The dramatic landscapes and unspoiled nature that this journey will expose you to will surely captivate your interest and imagination.

Highlights:
3 days of exploration in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve with a Park Ranger, wildlife and whale watching, glacier calving, inflatable skiff excursions, paddle boarding, snorkeling and beachcombing, naturalist-led presentations and discussions.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
2012 - From Juneau to Sitka: June 2, 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11
2012 - From Sitka to Juneau: June 9, 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18
2013 - From Juneau to Sitka: May 18, June 1, 15, 29, July 13, 27, August 10
2013 - From Sitka to Juneau: May 25, June 8, 22, July 6, 20, August 3, 17

Juneau is located on the Gastineau Channel in the panhandle of the U.S. state of Alaska. The economy is based on government, tourism, mining, and fishing. Juneau is named after gold prospector Joe Juneau, though the place was for a time called Rockwell and then Harrisburg after Juneau's co-prospector, Richard Harris. Downtown Juneau sits at sea level, with tides averaging 16 feet (4.9 m), below steep mountains about 3,500 to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) high. Atop these mountains is the Juneau Icefield, a large ice mass from which about 30 glaciers flow; two of these, the Mendenhall Glacier and the Lemon Creek Glacier, are visible from the local road system. Juneau is one of the most beautiful state capitals in the nation.

Meet your driver for an airport transfer with private vehicle.

Built in 1906, Alaska's Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast (3*) sits high on the hillside overlooking Juneau.  This restored gold rush era home offers the finest in overnight accommodations and a real bed & breakfast experience during your stay.  The Inn is conveniently located in a historic residential neighborhood overlooking the downtown area.

Overnight at Alaska`s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast (3*).

Breathtaking. Dramatic. Majestic. With nearly 34,000 miles of shoreline, an Alaska cruise is the ideal way to see and enjoy the great land of Alaska. A cruise will allow you to experience Alaska's grandeur and unspoiled beauty while providing opportunities for passengers to explore the quaint and charming seaside towns, get up close to tidal glacier, discover the outlying wilderness, and witness wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Welcome aboard! In the late afternoon you'll meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates today. Within minutes you'll cross some very scenic channels of the Inside Passage.

Port charges are included in your multi-day cruise.

The Wilderness Explorer is a small expedition vessel capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. In total, the 166-foot ship accommodates up to 76 guests in 38 cabins. The shallow draft and hull design allows easy access to Southeast Alaska's wildlife-rich shores and glacially-fed inlets, and also serve as an ideal launching pad for an exciting array of daily adventure excursions. Newly renovated, the interior spaces offer contemporary colours, while both public and private spaces are loaded with amenities.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Early morning, you'll enter Glacier Bay National Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. Here you'll pick up the National Park ranger who will be with you to explore coves and corners of the bay that most visitors miss. Here in the bay there are sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops. One of America's crown jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next three days. Enjoy two consecutive evenings in virtual isolation inside Glacier Bay at anchor in a hidden cove, as larger vessels have exited the bay.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Linger near South Marble Island and spot the many species of birds that call this area home, keeping your eyes on the water and the island for brightly-coloured puffins. After searching for more wildlife, stop at the Park Service's Heardquarters at Bartlett Cove for a hike through the rainforest or possibly a native cultural presentation.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. Conditions permitting, you'll also have a rare opportunity to hike or kayak or tour via shore boat.

You'll depart Glacier Bay today for the Icy Straight.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Set your course for arguably the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. Join the Captain on the bridge or the expedition leaders/naturalists out on deck in search of marine mammals, primarily in the Icy Strait / Pt. Adolphus area. Ride the skiffs for a closer inspection of the remote coastline with eyes set on the shoreline for possible bear and other wildlife sightings.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Meander along the waterfall coast of Chichagof Island. In the spirit of expedition un-cruising, marvel at the grand scenery as the crew expertly guides you through the hidden treasures of the region. In the evening you could be anchored in Red Bluff Bay, or perhaps you've discovered a new remote shelter providing another grand opportunity to lower the kayaks and skiffs.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

Running 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound, the Peril Strait, a haven for small ships, is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narros and an opening at Hoonah Sound. This wildlife-rich waterway is a great place to explore the shoreline for bear, the waters for otters and whales, and to watch for eagles. The passage narrows to only 300 feet in one spot. After an adventurous day, toast your voyage with a festive farewell dinner and a photo journal of your trip, presented by your expedition leaders.

Overnight at M/V Wilderness Explorer (B,L,D).

This morning you will cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. Enjoy a transfer once you're back on land.

Enjoy a first-class experience! A knowledgeable, local native will be your personal guide as you explore Baranof Island in a private vehicle. You will pass by many of Sitka’s historic sites including Mt. Edgecumbe Volcano, the Alaska Pioneer’s Home and St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where you have the option of following your guide along a scenic pathway where Totem poles impart the rich culture of the Tlingít. Step into the lush rainforest and see historic Indian River, one of Sitka’s many salmon spawning streams. Your guide will discuss totem significance, edible and medicinal plants of the rainforest, traditional uses of salmon and rainforest ecology. The walk leads into the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center. Inside, you can visit with Tlingít Native artisans practicing traditional arts such as carving, beading and weaving. The adjacent gift shop gives you the opportunity to purchase various souvenirs and books on the park’s totems and Tlingít history. Reserved seating at the Naa Kahídi Native Dance Performance will ensure superior viewing and photo opportunities. Inside a traditional style Tlingít Clan House, the performance begins with the telling of an ancient story while a burning cedar fire tantalizes your senses. Dancers enter adorned in beautiful regalia to entertain you with songs passed down through the generations. The resonating box drum and unique series of songs will captivate you and impart a lasting impression of the Tlingít people. You will have the opportunity to photograph and visit with dancers immediately following the performance, as well as visit the Made in Sitka artist co-op and gift shop. The final destination is the Alaska Raptor Center a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and providing medical treatment for birds of prey. Trained facility staff will introduce you to a variety of natural exhibits, with more than 20 living “Raptors-in-Residence” that include bald and golden eagles, hawks, falcons and owls. During your visit, you will have the unparalleled opportunity to closely observe these majestic creatures. Inside the Alaska Raptor Center is a unique gift shop that caters to things aviary – including eagle t-shirts, jackets, carvings, bird books, toys and more. Adult participants of the Best of Sitka excursion receive Alaskan hors d’oeuvres, bottled water, and a souvenir of Devil’s Club ointment, a locally prepared medicinal salve. Child participants will receive a locally made Theobroma chocolate bar in lieu of the Devil’s Club ointment. Return to port.

 End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart .