Glacier Bay National Park Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer
8 Days & 7 Nights- Sail on 76-guest expedition ship through Southeast Alaska
- Unique itinerary with two full days at Glacier Bay National Park
- Whale and wildlife viewing during this Alaska small-ship cruise
- Daily guided shore excursions with hiking options along coast and bushwhacking
- Sea kayaks and paddleboards for both beginners and experts
What To Expect
Tour Style:
Small Group Guided | Benefit from an expert leader and join a group of like-minded adventurers.
Activity:
Walking, Wildlife Watching, Sea Kayaking | Walking as part of a multi activity trip., Trip includes wildlife watching as part of the itinerary, Sea Kayaking as part of a multi-activity trip
This trip is suitable for:
Solo Travelers, Families, Multi-Generational, Mixed Abilities, Groups > 10, First Timers, Avid Adventurers
As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 8 Years
Ideal if you have an interest in:
- Wildlife
- Coastal & Island
- National Parks & Trails
- Mountains
Activity Level & Terrain
The trip is graded easy with the option to participate in a range of hikes and paddling excursions of varying activity levels. Great for travelers wanting a slower-paced stroll or travelers wanting to stretch legs and bushwhack through Tongass National Forest.Navigation
You are in the hands of an experienced captain, crew, and expedition staff that will adjust the route based on sea conditions and wildlife locations.Experience & Fitness
In Southeast Alaska, the wilderness areas explored on foot can get pretty muddy, plus most skiff landings are wet landings where there’s no dock at all. So having proper footwear and ankle support is absolutely essential. Both hiking and rubber boots are good, but many guests add insoles for support and hike all week in their rubber “mud” boots (Wellingtons, gum boots, Xtratufs).
For the best fit and availability, bring your own rubber boots, although there may be a limited supply for shared use on board (but there’s no guarantee).
Youth-size boots are not available aboard any of the vessels, so bring your own children's boots.
Accommodations
Wilderness Discoverer
Inviting, and oh so cared for by her crew, the 76-guest Wilderness Discoverer delivers big adventure with top-of-the-class style. Wild, remote, and at the edges of the map, she carries a bit of Alaska wherever she sails—the beautiful bar top and tap tower are made from a yellow cedar log found in Peril Strait. But looks aside, she doesn’t hold back when it comes to exploration. Her shoal draft allows access to waters that are off-limits to bigger boats, where she can slip right in. An instigator of action, she was the first “Wilderness” boat in the family and set us on a path toward greater adventures—you will be too.
Onboard Features: EZ Dock kayak launch platform; bow-mounted underwater camera; kayaks, paddle boards, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear/wetsuits; two on-deck hot tubs; fitness equipment and yoga mats; DVD and book library
Cabin Features: TV/DVD player; hair dryer, conditioning shampoo, body wash; binoculars; reusable water bottles
38 outside cabins with private bath with shower:
Navigator cabin - Main Deck with option for one queen or two twin beds
Trailblazer cabin - Observation Deck with option for one queen or two twin beds
Pathfinder cabin - Observation Deck with option for one queen or double bed with twin. Cabins have outside entry
Explorer cabin - Sun Deck with option for one queen or two twin beds. Sitting area
Single Travelers
Solo travelers can book Navigator Cabins at a single-occupancy rate.
Meals
All onboard meals are included in your fare:
- Early-riser breakfasts of fresh fruit and baked-on-board pastries
- Full breakfasts with hot and cold options
- Lunches featuring salads, sandwiches, homemade soups, and regionally influenced dishes
- Varied hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour
- Dinners with a choice of entrées including fresh, local seafood, meats, and vegetarian dishes
- Made-from-scratch desserts
Attention is always paid to your personal preferences. The atmosphere and dress code in each ship's dining room is casual. And seating is open so you can join new friends and choose a different table at every meal.
Your galley crew pays close attention to how food options meld with the activities and conditions of the day. Belly-warming soups are perfect after a chilly glacier adventure. At mealtimes, there are vegetarian, meat, and fish options to choose from. And if you can’t decide, try a sampling—just ask for half-and-half!
- Onboard guides and guest experts
- Exclusive activities and shore visits
- From-the-vessel adventure activities and equipment
- Port taxes/fees
- Entry fees to national parks/preserves
- Group transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day
- All meals aboard the vessel
- Premium wine, beer and liquor (excludes super-premium wines)
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Wellness amenities
- Information Pack via your "My Account"
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK & US office
- Airfare to and from your home city
- Discretionary gratuities to vessel’s crew
- Optional excursions and land tours
- Pre or post accommodations
- Travel insurance
- Pre or post accommodations in Juneau
When To Go
This cruise has select start dates between April and September. Prices vary depending on the ship, cabin, and season. Please note that this itinerary operates in reverse from Sitka to Juneau on alternating weeks.
Travel early in April or late in September to experience the northern lights (Aurora Borealis). Crew is on duty 24 hours a day, and will awaken any guests if they spot the northern lights.
Whales are in this area from May through September. Humpbacks are more common June-July, and orcas are hunting these waters throughout the season.
Getting to the Start
This roundtrip route starts and ends in Juneau. Specific instructions for joining your ship will be provided.
By Air: Travelers are advised to spend one pre-cruise night in the port city in case of delays. Juneau International Airport is serviced by major commercial airlines with direct flights from Anchorage and Ketchikan as well as other US cities (notably Seattle) and then serviced by bush planes and floatplanes from other Alaskan cities/towns. Many hotels offer shuttle service (complimentary or fee), and there are taxi and ride-hailing services as well as car rentals available.
By Ferry: Juneau is disconnected from other Alaskan cities by road, but there is ferry access with the Alaska Marine Highway System that link communities in Southeast Alaska and connecting to Bellingham, Washington, and carry passengers with and without vehicles.
Getting from the End
By Transfer: The cruise operator will transfer you to the airport at the end of the cruise. Your flight should leave no earlier than 11:30 am on the disembarkation day.The Macs Way
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