Alaska Cruise: Juneau to Seattle

On this luxury cruise, you won?t simply cruise through San Juans, British Columbia, Alaska ? you?ll walk in the forest, kayak over still waters, anchor in deep fjords and share stories with Alaska?s peoples. The misty green mountains of the Pacific Northwest frame inland passages are home to whales, dolphins, porpoise, seals and sea lions, as well as black and brown bears, moose and mountain goats. Aboard the 120-foot Safari Quest you will enjoy the comforts of a refined and elegant motor yacht.

Itinerary

Day 10: Prince Rupert, British Columbia

Prince Rupert is British Columbia?s northernmost port along the route. Here, a historic sightseeing and museum tour introduces you to this scenic community. After a visit, you'll begin your exploration of the fjords along the northern B.C. coast, anchoring in a quiet cove this evening.

Day 14: Deception Pass

Arriving back in the U.S.A today, cruise among the scenic, low-lying islands of Puget Sound. You'll cruise through Deception Pass, a narrow cut between two islands where the churning waters attract seabirds and seals. Further south, the ship will anchor and lower the kayaks for the last evening on the water. Join your fellow travelers for tonight?s festive Farewell Dinner, followed by a slideshow of this amazing voyage through the Inside Passage.

Day 15: Seattle, Washington

After breakfast, arrive in Seattle, Washington, where a transfer to the airport is included.

Days 11-13: Exploring the Canadian Inside Passage

Search for orca whales, seals, sea lions and bears. Your Expedition Leader will lead nature hikes and kayaking excursions, and you?ll enjoy a First Nations dance performance in a cedar-planked big house. Further north, you?ll step ashore with Naturalists from Raincoast Conservation Society who will tell you about local wildlife and fisheries studies, including little known details on rainforest wolves and the mysterious Spirit bear.

Days 7-8: Alaskan Communities

Petersburg, Ketchikan, and the lesser-known Meyers Chuck are all on the itinerary over the next two days. Join local guides and friends for private tours of these charming port towns. Petersburg?s Norwegian history is quite prominent throughout the community, and you?ll have some first-hand experiences of the local culture before departing. Stop in at Meyers Chuck, a hide-away village of fewer than 50 people. Finally, discover the rich, cultural heritage of Alaska?s Tlingit Indians on a guided tour of Saxman Totem Village in Ketchikan with local village resident, Joe Williams.

Days 4-6: Fjords, Glaciers, and Hot Springs

You spend these three days in the wildest, most pristine corners of Alaska. Paddle your kayaks in remote fjords, hike to natural hot springs, wander through the temperate rainforest of Southeast Alaska, and explore some of the most scenic, hidden gems one can find in the inside passage. Whale watching will be at its finest. You'll also spend time walking on a boulder field created by a glacier that rests not far from the shoreline. This is wilderness at its peak.

Day 1: Sail from Juneau, Alaska

Transfer to your yacht after a city and glacier tour. Your crew greets you with champagne and hors d?oeuvres. You?ll cruise north toward your serene anchorage this evening.

Days 2-3: Glacier Bay National Park

One of America?s crown-jewel national parks will be yours to explore and marvel at for the next two days. Tidewater glaciers sweep like rivers of ice down massive mountain valleys, terminating before you in the waters of Glacier Bay. If conditions permit, the Zodiac will be lowered to weave among the icebergs that have fallen from the face of the glaciers. Enjoy evenings at anchor in hidden coves, and mornings paddling your kayaks in the quiet of this majestic wilderness. Quite possibly, you?ll see puffins, sea lions, mountain goats, bears, moose, eagles, and scenery more spectacular than any place on earth.

Day 9: Alaskan Waterways

Spend the day cruising the southern passages of the Alaskan Panhandle today, keeping your eyes open for porpoise, whales and seabirds as we go. The ship anchors this afternoon and lowers the kayaks and skiff for close-up explorations before calling it a day.