Glaciers of Prince William Sound - 18A (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.

Itinerary

Day 4: Chenega Glacier and Knight Island

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.

Day 3: Cordova

Overnight, cross central Prince William Sound to make a port of call at tiny Cordova. This fishing village, which is inaccessible by highway, has become world famous for its Copper River Salmon. These delicious, oil-rich fish are caught nearby in the pristine delta of the Copper River. An included sightseeing tour of Cordova highlights area history, including a stop at the mouth of the mighty Copper River. If you have energy to burn, there are optional wilderness tours here including sea kayaking, hiking and river rafting.

Day 1: Sail from Whittier

In Anchorage, board a Cruise West motorcoach to travel to Whittier. Your route is along beautiful Turnagain Arm, famous for its sweeping tidal changes, in the shadow of the Chugach Range. Keep watch for the sure-footed Dall sheep that nibble grass on the steep cliffs overhead. Arrive in Whittier, where the crew welcomes you aboard the Spirit of Alaska, your home for four nights. This afternoon, the ship departs for seldom-visited areas of Prince William Sound, starting with an early evening visit to Blackstone Glacier in Blackstone Bay. The ship will anchor this evening in a secluded cove.

Day 5: Arrive Whittier

After an early-morning cruise past a kittiwake colony, disembark at Whittier. Transfer to a motorcoach for your trip via Turnagain Arm to back Anchorage.

Day 2: College Fjord and Esther Passage

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.