Glaciers of Prince William Sound - 19A (2009)

Prince William Sound lies just south of the rugged Chugach Mountains -- a breathtaking maze of forested islands, glacier-carved fjords and wildlife-filled waterways. This area is every bit as spectacular as the traditional Inside Passage, but far less traveled, giving you a hint of what the world looked like after the last Ice Age. You'll also see plenty of glaciers calving, as this area is home to the largest concentration of tidewater glaciers in North America. And thanks to the bow-ladder on your ship, you can walk right to shore on uninhabited islands to explore untouched tide pools. Note: This cruise is one day shorter than 'Glacier Wonderland - 18A.'

Itinerary

Day 4: Disembark, to Anchorage

This morning visit a large kittiwake colony before continuing to Whittier for disembarkation. On arrival, transfer to Anchorage.

Day 1: Sail from Whittier

Travel from Anchorage to Whittier via motorcoach. Your route is along beautiful Turnagain Arm, and through tunnels under the Chugach Mountains. Upon arrival, your crew gives you a warm welcome aboard the Spirit of Alaska. Once you?ve settled into your stateroom, come up on deck and meet your fellow travelers and crew during a bon voyage celebration. Shortly after departure this evening, you?ll be admiring Blackstone Glacier, an awesome hanging glacier in Blackstone Bay.

Day 2: College Fjord

This morning, wake up near the face of a glacier in College Fjord. All morning, the Spirit of Alaska eases close to the active faces of the numerous glaciers that calve icebergs into the sea. Continue on to narrow Esther Passage, a waterway only small ships can navigate. Playful sea otters live here, and your Captain knows where the best sightings will be found. The whiskery otters are often floating placidly on their backs in a bed of kelp, dining on crabs. Then in Eaglek Bay, you may welcome on board a local oyster farmer, who will share tales of her unique life in the wilderness.

Day 3: Chenega Glacier and Island Exploration

Today you are exploring southwest Prince William Sound, where sculpted wilderness islands lie offshore from the craggy mountains of the Kenai Peninsula. Narrow Icy Bay leads toward a stunning glacier experience at the head of the fjord. Watch for seals on the icebergs and mountain goats on the cliff faces. Later, enjoy ?gunkholing? around the nearby islands ? a term for poking around the next corner just to see what?s there.