Northwest Passages and Glacier Bay
- Destination: InnerSea Discoveries
- Duration: 8 days/7 nights
- Price: $3,095
- Available: June 02, 2012 — August 18, 2012
Other areas to be explored include Icy Strait, Chichagof Island and Peril Strait. In May and August, two-week cruises between Seattle and Juneau (and reverse) will be offered.
"Adding Glacier Bay rounds out the wilderness areas explored by the InnerSea Discoveries fleet," said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. "The ships explore an impressive number of scenic and wilderness areas, and guests now have a broader range of choices, including the option of a three-week voyage."
The new Northern Passages & Glacier Bay itinerary will sail from Juneau on Saturdays linking it to the line's two other vessels-60-guest Wilderness Adventurer and 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer-which sail between Juneau and Ketchikan, AK (and reverse) on weeklong adventures beginning and ending on Saturdays. An all-encompassing three-week voyage combines a two-week roundtrip Juneau cruise with a weeklong cruise on the Wilderness Explorer.
Three cabin categories consist of 21 Trailblazer, 13 Pathfinder and 4 Explorer cabins. Bed configurations include twin or queen with many more made convertible during renovation. Cabins will feature flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities. All cabins feature a large, view window.
During renovation, two hot tubs will be added with one on the bow and one on the aft sun deck. A sauna and exercise equipment will also be added to the aft sun deck. The lounge bar will be expanded with the addition of 10 taps serving a selection of microbrews and cask wine. To ensure ample space for included adventure activities, a new swim step will be added to the ship's main deck aft. The extra space will serve as a launch pad for excursions and host a state-of-the-art kayak launch platform able to quickly and safely launch five kayaks at a time.
With an emphasis on exhilarating explorations in Alaska's wilderness, expert naturalists lead hiking and kayaking tours of varying lengths and activity levels. Guests may also enjoy open paddling. Other adventure activities include stand-up paddle boarding, skiff explorations and whale watching. Snorkeling gear is available for a fee. Flexible itineraries and few set port times allow the ships to seek out wildlife and maximize viewing time for guests.
Other shipboard amenities include complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee. An underwater camera mounted on the ship's bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge. Healthy and hearty meals feature fresh ingredients including locally caught Alaskan seafood. A 3-1 guest to crew ratio ensures attentive service.
Prices for the 7-night cruises aboard the Wilderness Explorer start at US$3,095 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities except optional excursions. Port charges of US$167 per person per week, massages, spirits and gratuities are extra.
Itinerary Highlights
- Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
- 3 Days of in-depth exploration in Glacier Bay National Park with a Park Ranger
- Wildlife and whale watching
- Glacier calving in Glacier Bay
- Inflatable skiff excursions
- Paddle boarding, snorkeling, and beachcombing
- Naturalist led presentations and discussions
Day 1: Juneau - Embark
Welcome aboard! Meet the crew, settle in, and relax with your shipmates. Within minutes you'll cruise the scenic channels of the Inside Passage.
Days 2-4: Glacier Bay National Park
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. One of America's crown jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next three days. Here in the bay there are sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and spectacular scenic backdrops.
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-colored puffins. After searching for more wildlife, stop at the Park Service's Headquarters at Bartlett Cove for a hike through the rainforest or possibly a native cultural presentation.Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. Enjoy two consecutive evenings in virtual isolation inside Glacier Bay at anchor in a hidden cove as larger vessels have exited the bay. Conditions permitting, you'll also have a rare opportunity to hike or kayak or tour via shore boat.
Day 5: Icy Strait
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 sightings.
Day 6: Chichagof Island
Meander along the "waterfall coast" of Chichagof Island. In the spirit of expedition un-cruising, marvel at the grand scenery as our 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. Enjoy another delectable dinner onboard and relax in the hot tub before calling it a day.
Day 7: Peril Strait
Running 50 miles from Chatham Strait to Salisbury Sound, this haven for small ships is scenically highlighted by a very narrow connecting passageway called Sergius Narrows 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 (24 feet deep.) After an adventurous, but "non-perilous" day, toast your voyage with a festive Farewell Dinner and a "photo journal" of your trip presented by your Expedition Leaders.
Day 8: Sitka - Disembark
Gather for breakfast this morning as you cruise into Russian-influenced Sitka for disembarkation. A transfer will be provided to the airport or your hotel.
Due to the nature of our explorations, itineraries are guidelines and will change in order to maximize wildlife and exhilarating natural encounters.
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2012 Dates & Rates - 8 days/7 nights Juneau to Sitka (or reverse*)
Wilderness Explorer Cabin Categories:
| Departures | Trail Blazer | Path Finder | Explorer |
| 2 June | $3,095 | $3,495 | $4,995 |
| 9 June * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 16 June | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 23 June * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 30 June | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 7 July * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 14 July | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 21 July * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 28 July | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 4 August * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 11 August | $3,695 | $4,095 | $5,995 |
| 18 August * | $3,695 | $4,095 | $,5995 |
* Indicates reverse itinerary (Sitka to Juneau).
Add $167 per person port charges and fees. Private charter up to 76 guests. Select cabins are available for single occupancy at a 150% supplement of the posted rates. All rates are shown in US dollars, per person, double occupancy.
