Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness 9D/8N

Spirit of Discovery - courtesy of Cruise WestCruise deep into the wilderness of Alaska’s Inside Passage and bask in a peaceful sanctuary, where wildlife abounds and people are few. Sail round trip from Juneau and enjoy the luxury of spending a full day in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, a privilege permitted exclusively to Cruise West guests. Gaze skyward in awe of the sheer cliffs of Tracy Arm. Listen for the sound of thundering waterfalls and the crack! of glaciers calving into the sea. Come face-to-face and interact with the people of a remote Southeast Alaskan village. And learn from a National Park Ranger and Native Cultural Interpreter about the Passage’s array of flora, fauna and the culture of the Tlingits

Whales Guaranteed! - Whales are guaranteed to be sighted on any Alaska’s Whales & Wilderness cruise. If a whale is not sighted on your voyage, Cruise West will refund $250 of your cruise price after your return home. That’s a promise we made five years ago, and one we’ve kept. Happily, we’ve never had to make good on our guarantee. We don’t expect to on your cruise either.

Pentax Photography Cruise- May 23 and July 4, 2008 - At no additional cost, these cruise departures aboard the Spirit of Discovery, will be co-hosted by professional PENTAX photographer Kerrick James, who will conduct special field events and onboard workshops throughout the cruise. Whether novice or seasoned photographers and regardless of the brand of camera you use, you will receive valuable, hands-on instruction on everything from image composition and digital image management to tips on how to be in the right place at the right time. Learn More

What our Exploration Leaders are saying:“We spotted a group of humpback whales, approached slowly and put the engine in neutral. We watched and waited, anticipation growing as the pod congregated under the surface. Then came the bubbles. Were they really doing it? This rare coordinated bubble feeding? Yes, oh wait no..and then: boom! All of them at once - six 49-ton animals- burst through the surface of the water, face first, mouths agape. With a crash they landed and then slowly they sank back down into the depths of Alaska’s Inside Passage. We had time to absorb it all as they prepared, underwater, to do it all again.”Megan Atcheson,
Cruise West Exploration Leader

Whales Spotting - courtesy of Cruise WestSpirit of Discovery - The first thing guests notice when stepping into the Discovery Lounge aboard the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery is light, air, and views - wide picture windows port and starboard, and a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows facing forward. Backing the delightful scene are a bar and library with exquisitely detailed woodworking. This is one of Cruise West’s most popular vessels. Every category stateroom offers a wide view window, many of which open for you to enjoy fresh breezes. Ample outside deck space and easy access to the extra-roomy bow area are perfect spots to view the sights around you.

Spirit of Alaska - Her shallow draft, spacious bow and comfortable cruising speed make for optimum wildlife viewing. With three Bridge Deck Deluxe cabins, she offers one most unusual cruising feature - view windows both port and starboard, left and right. The Deluxe category is the top end of a wide range of categories available, including economical Lower Deck inside staterooms with private facilities, and Main and Upper Deck cabins which feature large view windows.

2008 Departures: Aug 18 - Aug 22
2009 Departures: May 16 - May 17 - May 23 - May 24 - May 30 - May 31 - Jun 6 - Jun 7 - Jun 13 - Jun 14 - Jun 20 = Jun 21 - Jun 27 - Jun 28 - Jul 4 - Jul 5 - Jul 11 - Jul 12 SOA - Jul 18 - Jul 19 - Jul 25 - Jul 26 - Jul 29 - Aug 1 - Aug 2 - Aug 5 - Aug 8 - Aug 15 - Aug 16 - Aug 22 - Aug 23 - Aug 26 - Sep 2

Sketch Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrive In Juneau
  • Day 2 - Sail From Juneau
  • Day 3 - Icy Strait
  • Day 4 - Glacier Bay National Park And Preserve
  • Day 5 - Wilderness Community
  • Day 6 - Sitka
  • Day 7 - Frederick Sound And Wilderness Exploration
  • Day 8 - Tracy Arm
  • Day 9 - Arrive In Juneau

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Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, North America, United States, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Special Interest, Join-In Tour, Cruise West, Alaska, Exploration Cruise


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