Arrival Juneau, Ship Embarkation in Juneau

Arrive in Juneau no later than 1:00 pm and board your vessel at the downtown pier. Originally a fishing outpost for local Tlingit Native Americans, the area now known as Juneau was founded in 1880 after 2 prospectors, Richard Harris and Joseph Juneau, discovered gold, thanks to help by Chief Kowee of the Auk Tlingit Tribe. Shortly thereafter, the town, originally called Harrisburg, was struck with "gold fever" and began to flourish, followed by hard-rock mining, sawmilling, canning and an expanding fishing industry. Juneau became the capital of Alaska in 1906. From start to finish on the cruise you will be surrounded by water, tall mountains and lush evergreen coniferous forests. Amazingly, in spite of some of the same components, each day has it’s own unique stamp to put on your memory. You will feast on culinary masterpieces prepared by our master chef. Every day you will have the opportunity to hike, fish or kayak.  D

Point Adolphus and Icy Strait

After breakfast - we have some exciting adventure activities scheduled: Participate in shore nature walks or get your first introduction to sea kayaks and enjoy the exclusive ability to launch kayaks directly of the ship. You'll spend time with guided kayaking, wildlife viewing and off-shore explorations. Later during the day we continue our journey to Icy Strait in search of humpback whales around Point Adolphus - which is one of the best areas within Alaska to see these gentle giants up-close-and-personal. Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate more than 3000 miles from Hawaii to Alaska. They spend winter in tropical waters for mating and calving, and then make the 4 – 8 week voyage to temperate and polar waters in Alaska during the summer to feed and rebuild their blubber supply. Point Adolphus juts out into Icy Strait causing an "upwelling" which churns up nutrients from the ocean floor, creating unsurpassed feeding grounds for humpback whales. B L D

Cruise Glacier Bay’s West Arm

Wake up at sunrise in close proximity to one of the most spectacular glaciers in this national park and spend the day exploring the vast 3.3 million acre marine park - one of the crowning jewels of all national parks within Alaska. Glacier Bay is known as one of the best sea kayaking destinations in the world and you will explore today the West Arm of the bay, considered by many to be the most beautiful area within Glacier Bay. Kayak into the spectacular Rendu, Tarr, or John Hopkins inlets to view tidewater glaciers, magnificent waterfalls, and numerous hanging glaciers. Take the opportunity to observe Humpback and Orca whales, sea lions, seals, bald eagles or black and brown bears. Explore the rugged coastline and enjoy short hikes in the hills. Experience the magic of paddling among the icebergs in deep glacially carved fjords and enjoy quiet nights under the stars. Professional guides are providing kayak instruction, general navigation and paddling technique. B L D

Adventure Activities on Chichagof and Baranof Islands

We will combine kayaking with shore walks today, or if you prefer, landing crafts to get you to the shore. Whatever your mode of transportation, you are sure to have a fabulous day of exploring the east sides of Chichagof and Baranof islands. The island has a land area of 1,607 square miles (4,162 square km),which is slightly smaller than the State of Delaware. It measures 105 miles (169 km) by 30 miles (48 km) at its longest point and perpendicular widest point, respectively. It has a shoreline of 617 miles. Baranof Island hosts the highest mountain in the Alexander Archipelago, and is the eighth largest island in Alaska. Most of the island lies within the limits of Tongass National Forest. A large part has been officially designated as the South Baranof Wilderness. Chichagof Island is directly north of Baranof Island, Peril Strait separating the two islands. It is bounded by Chatham Strait to the east, Icy Strait to the northeast, Cross Sound to the northwest, and the Gulf of Alaska to the west. B L D

Cruise, Kayak or Hike Admiralty Island

Embracing nearly a million acres of old growth rainforest, alpine tundra, and rugged coastline, Admiralty Island National Monument has been home to the Tlingít people for centuries and to the brown bear even longer. The Tlingít call this island - Kootznoowoo - meaning "Fortress of the Bear" and their name is accurate. Admiralty island is home to an estimated 1,600 brown bears, the highest concentration anywhere in the world and more brown bears than the rest of the states combined. It has also the world's greatest concentration of nesting bald eagles. More than 5,000 eagles live on Admiralty Island and average a nest every mile along the coastline of Seymour Canal. Bays such as Mitchell, Hood, Whitewater and Chaik contain harbor seals, porpoises and sea lions. Humpback whales may be spotted feeding in Seymour Canal. The streams choke with all five species of Pacific salmon. It’s like nothing you have ever experienced and something you will remember forever! B L D

Endicott / Tracy Arm Fjord, Activities

Named after Civil War general Benjamin Franklin Tracy, Tracy Arm Fjord is an approximate 30-mile-long fjord, a narrow inlet created by glacial activity, that weaves its way past 7,000-foot high snow-capped mountains and floating icebergs both large and small. Formed thousands of years ago, this calm waterway boasts towering granite walls that jet up from the fjord majestically, framed against a sweeping forest terrain. Watch for whales and other marine mammals, especially as we enter Endicott Arm, where an underwater glacier moraine creates nutrient-rich up-welling currents. We may see huge icebergs that have survived their journey all the way out from the Dawes Glacier at the head of the fjord. As we cruise up Endicott Arm, the scenery changes dramatically as we enter a vertical world of granite cliffs and glacier-carved cirques. Upon nearing the head of the fjord, we devote this day to exploration by kayak, hiking and other activities. B L D

Disembark in Juneau

We disembark in Juneau after breakfast. Catch your flight departing at 12:00 pm or later. Optional post-cruise packages are available. The final day always arrives much too quickly but the memories will stay with you forever. If you seek natural beauty and would like to extend your journey in Juneau you may visit the Mendenhall Glacier - a half-mile wide, 1,800-feet deep ice field, is the most accessible glacier in Alaska and, for many, the most breathtaking. Offering panoramic views of the city, the Mount Roberts Tramway whisks Guests up to an observation deck that is approximately 2,000 feet about Juneau, providing arguably the best picture-taking opportunities in the state. You may also explore the natural and cultural roots of Juneau need look no further than the Alaska State Museum, which recounts not only the native people of Alaska and its early settlers, but also the natural wildlife that can be seen throughout the region. B