Small ship Alaska cruise with Seattle

This morning, you embark on a culinary journey through Pike Place Market on a small group guided tour including six tastings from the varied vendors. You hear about the history and cultural influence the market has been home to over the years, and catch a glimpse of the famous fish-throwing. Spend the rest of the day independently discovering Seattle. There's lots to see, including the Space Needle, the Pacific Science Center and the historic underground city. For aviation enthusiasts, we recommend a visit to the nearby Boeing factory or the Museum of Flight.

Make your own way back to Seattle Airport for your flight north to Juneau. The journey takes you over the mountainous coastline of British Columbia in Canada and over the border into Alaska. On arrival in Juneau, make your own way to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free to discover Alaska's small and compact capital.

Today, you join a thrilling guided small-group helicopter tour to Mendenhall Glacier. You will see lush rainforest, deep blue crevasses and glacier-carved peaks before the helicopter lands on the glacier itself. Listen for the sounds of huskies yapping that signal the start of your dog-sledding trip. After receiving instructions and hearing about Alaska's famous Iditarod dog-sled race, you will spend around 25 minutes dog-sledding on the glacier before taking the helicopter flight back to Juneau.

Check out of your hotel after a leisurely morning and make your own way to your cruise check-in area. You will be taken directly from here to the ship where you will be able to settle into your cabin. Having checked in and explored the ship, enjoy a glass of wine as the ship sets sail. During your cruise, all meals and drinks are included, as are from-the-vessel activities and equipment, and use of the hot tub, fitness equipment, and yoga mats. Note that the order of the cruise is subject to change depending on weather and wildlife.

Start the morning with yoga stretches and a cup of coffee on deck. After breakfast, you may wish to paddle around the remote bays of Icy Strait in a kayak. Watch out for the giant bullwhip kelp that can grow to over 100 feet long, then take a skiff to a rocky outcrop to watch sea lions play. Alternatively, go for a forest hike with your knowledgeable naturalist guides who have plenty of information to share about the region's marine biology, plants and geology. Neka Bay is also known for excellent walks and kayaking adventures. Back on board, enjoy a soak in the hot tub.

Glacier Bay National Park covers 3.3 million acres (that’s a tad smaller than the state of Connecticut). Most visitors see the same sliver of the park as everyone else. However, you will be going further to explore parts that 99% of visitors never go to. Hike the outwash field of glaciers winding down the Fairweather Mountain Range. The cool breeze off the nearby snow and ice fields is enlivening. You may choose to motor over to Dundas Bay where you can keep a watch for bears, humpback whales and, if you’re lucky, a wolf. Spend your time kayaking in the bay or going for walks in the spectacular scenery.

Before you do anything today, we recommend looking out the window. From kelp-lined channels to hemlock and spruce forests, every inch of this far northwest corner is worth exploring. And today’s adventures promise to be as big as the water is deep. Whatever you do, be it wilderness trekking, exploring by skiff, or kayaking, your expedition team will guide you along the way.

Enjoy the top deck for a sunrise or morning stretch. The vessel will meander through glacier-carved fjords along the Chichagof coast before anchoring. The kayaks and skiffs will then be lowered, enabling you to set off on land and sea explorations. Moss-draped trees grow right down to the water; keep your camera handy as you look for bears foraging along the shore. The surrounding Tongass National Forest is a beautiful natural wilderness that is perfect for hiking; your guides will lead you to some of the most scenic parts.

You may find yourself in 'whale soup' surrounded by feeding humpbacks swimming in these abundant glacial waters. Based on wind and weather, the expedition team will have plenty of outdoor adventure options to offer you. You may cruise past Five Fingers Lighthouse, Alaska’s oldest light station, and The Brothers Islands, where sea lions nap on rocky outcrops. Paddle into the deeps of Port Houghton or Windham Bay or head ashore for a hike. Tonight, another excellent dinner will be served after your day of exploration.

You will wake to the sight of fjord cliffs reaching skyward, floating ice and deep U-shaped valleys as you gaze out of your cabin window. You will cruise past harbor seals and their pups lounging on chunks of ice. Tides permitting, your skiff captain will guide you along as you explore this untouched wilderness. It’s a mix of towering walls, temperamental currents, the Coastal Mountains and many waterfalls. Mountain goats show off nimble footwork on the cliffs, so keep your eyes open. This evening, join the Captain's dinner and post-dinner cocktails while watching the week's photo journal put together by the crew.

Linger over breakfast this morning as the ship cruises into Juneau. It is then time to say goodbye and disembark at the end of your cruise. You will be taken to the airport to board your flight back to Seattle. Arrive in the evening and make your own way to your hotel for your last night.

You have the morning at leisure in Seattle to do any last-minute sightseeing, food tasting or shopping. You then make your own way to Seattle Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.